This article is set up in two parts, one part about RAM overview and a second part about RAM upgrade. If you are curious on how the RAM works, you will find a detail summary that should give you all the information that you need to know about RAM, organization and speed. If you just want to read the how to upgrade section, move on directly to part two Upgrade your laptop ram in 5 minutes or less.
1 – RAM Overview
There are two big categories of random access memories:
* Dynamic memories (DRAM, Dynamic Random Access Module), not very costly. They are in most cases used for the central memory of the computer
* Static memories (SRAM, Static Random Access Module), quick and expensive. SRAM is notably used for cache memories of the processor
Functioning of the random access memory
The random access memory is constituted of hundred of thousand small condensers storing charges. When it is loaded, the logical state of the condenser is equal to 1, otherwise it belongs to 0, what means that every condenser represents one bit of memory.
Given that condensers off-load, it is always necessary to recharge them in a space of regular time called cycle of refreshment. Memory DRAM requires cycles of refreshment for instance (Ns) is about 15 nanoseconds.
Every condenser is coupled with a transistor allowing to "recover « or to change the state of the condenser. These transistors are lined up in form of matrix, that is they achieve a hut memory (so called memory) by a line and a column.
So, for a memory of type DRAM, the time of access is of 60 nanoseconds (35ns of delay of cycle and 25 ns of time of latency). On a computer, the time of cycle corresponds contrary to the frequency of the clock, for instance for a computer pulsated in 200 MHz, the time of cycle is 5 ns (1 / (200*106)).
As a result a computer having a frequency well brought up and using memories the time of access of which is much longer than the time of cycle of the processor must perform cycles of wait to access to the memory. In the case of a computer pulsated in 200 MHz using memories of types DRAM (which the time of access is of 60ns), there are 11 cycles of wait as a cycle of transfer. The performances of the computer are of as much diminished as there are cycles
Formats of Random Access Memory (RAM)
There are numerous types of random access memories. These all come in the form of barrettes of memory attachable on the motherboard.
* SIMM (Single Inline Memory Module): it is about printed circuits among which one of the faces has fleas of memory. There are two types of barrettes SIMM, according to the number of connector cables (30 or 72)
* DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Modulates) are from memories 64 bits, what explains why it is not necessary to match them. Barrettes DIMM have fleas of memory on both sides of printed circuit and have also 84 connector cables on each side, what endows them with a total of 168 brooches. They have bigger dimensions than barrettes SIMM (130x25mm).
* RIMM (Rambus Inline Memory Module, conscripts also RD-RAM or DRD-RAM) are from memories 64 bits developed by the society Rambus. They have 184 brooches. These barrettes have two notches of location (détrompeurs), avoiding very risk of confusion with the previous modules. Considering their well brought up speed of transfer, barrettes RIMM have a thermal film made responsible for ameliorating the clearing up of warmth. As in the case of DIMM, there are modules of smaller size, called SO RIMM (Small Outline RIMM), intended for laptop computers. Barrettes SO RIMM include only 160 brooches.
* DRAM (Dynamic RAM, dynamic RAM) is the type of memo most spread at the beginning of the millennium. It is about a memory from which transistors are lined up in a matrix according to lines and of columns. A transistor, coupled with a condenser gives the information of a bit. 1 byte consisting of 8 bits, a barrette of memory 256 Mb DRAM will contain 256 therefore * 2^10 * 2^10 = 256 * on 1024 * on 1024 = 268 435 456 bytes = 268 435 456 * 8 = 2 147 483 648 bits = 2 147 483 648 transistors. A 256 Mb barrette has so in reality a capacity of 268 435 456 bytes, that is 268 Mb! These are memories from which the time of access is 60 ns. On the other hand, accesses memory are made in general on data lined up consecutively in memory. So the mode of access in gust (burst mode) allows to achieve the three successive data in the first one without time of additional latency.
* DRAM FPM to speed up accesses to DRAM, there is a technology, called pagination consisting in achieving data located on the same column by changing the address of the line only, what allows to avoid the repetition of the number of column between the reading of each of the lines. They speak then about DRAM FPM (Fast Page Mode). FPM allows to acquire time of access in the order of 70 - 80 nanoseconds for a frequency of functioning that can go from 25 to 33 Mhz.
* DRAM EDO (Extended Data Out, Goes out of data ameliorated sometimes also called "hyper-page") appears in 1995. The technology used with this type of memory consists in addressing the following column during the reading of the data of a column. It creates an overlapping of accesses allowing to save time on every cycle. The time of access to memory EDO is therefore about 50 - 60 nanoseconds for a frequency of functioning going 33 - 66 Mhz. So, RAM EDO, when it is used in mode gust allows to acquire cycles of form 5-2-2-2, that is a benefit of 4 cycles on the access to 4 data. As much as memory EDO did not accept the upper frequencies in 66 Mhz, it disappeared in aid of SDRAM.
* SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM, translate synchronous RAM), appeared in 1997, allows a reading of data synchronized with the bus of the card-mother, contrary to memories EDO and FPM (qualified as asynchronous) having their own clock. SDRAM allows therefore to free itself from time of wait owed to synchronization with the card-mother. This one allows to acquire a cycle in mode gust of form 5-1-1-1, that is to say benefit of 3 cycles in comparison with RAM EDO. In that way SDRAM is able of working with a cadenza going until 150 Mhz, allowing him to acquire from time of access about 10 ns.
* DR-SDRAM (Direct Rambus DRAM or else RDRAM) is a type of memory allowing to transfer data on a bus of 16 wide bits to a cadenza of 800Mhz, what confers on him a band passer-by of 1,6 Go / s. As SDRAM, this type of memory is synchronized with the clock of the bus to ameliorate exchanges of data.
* DDR-SDRAM (Double Dated Miss SDRAM) is a memory based on technology SDRAM, allowing to double the rate of transfer of SDRAM with equal frequency. Reading or writing of data in memory am accomplished on the basis of a clock. Standard memory DRAM uses a method conscript SDR (Single Data Fails) consisting in reading or writing data in every forehead going up. DDR allows to double the frequency of reading / writings, with a clock pulsated in the same frequency, by sending data in every forehead going up, as well as in every downward forehead. Memory DDR has in general a commercial appellation of type PCXXXX where "XXXX " represent the debit side in Mb / s.
* DDR2 (or DDR-II) allows to attain twice as well brought up debit sides as DDR with equal external frequency. They speak about QDR (Quadruple Dated Fail or quad-pumped) to indicate the method of reading and used writing. Memory DDR2 uses in effect two channels separated for reading and for writing, so it is able of sending or of accepting twice more data than DDR.
2 - Upgrading Your Laptop RAM
upgrading a notebook memory is a specific simple process pending that you have the right RAM and are somewhat delicate.
There are different types of RAM, and you must choose the one that is compatible with your notebook computer. Memory is also a fragile, so you need to be very cautious when installing it. You should ensure that the laptop is turned off and disconnected from any exterior power supply. No lights should be visible.
It is a lot easier to install RAM on a laptop versus a desktop PC. Access to the memory slots is via a panel generally located in the bottom of the laptop. Once you have opened this panel with a small screwdriver you can see the existing memory. you can check the exact type of memory that your Notebook currently uses, because it is usually shown on the front of the memory strips and will be evident when you open up the memory panel.
The memory strips are generally locked in with small clips on the ends of the strips. To take out existing memory, simply flip the clips and then remove the memory strips gently from their holding place. If you are simply adding memory, and there is space available, just add the new memory, gently pushing it in to ensure it is fully seated in the slots, and then push the clips to hold the new memory in place.
Once you have replaced or added your Notebook computer memory, replace the access panel, and then screw the panel back in place. Lastly, power up the notebook, When the PC starts up, it will count the memory and tell you how much RAM is loaded on your laptop.
As long as you have right memory, the whole operation should take less than 5 minutes, you can then enjoy your faster, less crash prone laptop.
Compare Computer Keyboards
Ask any executive secretary or freelance writer with an average typing speed of 80 words per minute, or higher, and you'll hear strong opinions of keyboards. The computer's keyboard not only controls the typist's word per minute productivity. It maintains healthy hands and wrists, reduces stress in the neck and shoulders, improves attitude, and even reduces fatigue.
Before you walk into a computer store and accept the computer keyboard that comes with a new system, or worse, ask 'what keyboards do you have for sale?'
The keyboard design directly influences the hand position, and posture of the typist. Erognomics magazine, published by Taylor & Francis, conducted a review of three erognomics keyboards.
Keyboard preference was evaluated by comparing two designs with the linear standard keyboard style. The Fixed alternative keyboard had a split angle of 12 degrees and a lateral inclination angle of 10 degrees.
The adjustable alternative keyboard had a 15 degree split setting, which resulted in a marked 42 degree of demiboard lateral inclination.
Sixteen typists, were given 10 hours of training on both keyboards. They were videotaped typing on all keyboard styles.
Forearm and wrist angles were significantly different among the three designs tested. Both alternative keyboards placed the forearm and wrist closer to the neutral position.
While the adjustable keyboard reduced pronation, but increased radial deviation. The Fixed keyboard kept the forearm in moderate pronation and the wrist close to neutral.
With respect to the standard keyboard, typing productivity was reduced by 10% on the Fixed and 20% on the adjustable designs.
The FIXED design offered only moderate changes to the standard keyboard. These changes promoted a more natural hand position while typing reducing the potential for trauma in the wrist. The FIXED design preserved a reasonable level of productivity and was well accepted by users.
There is multiple reviews that expound the virtues of wireless keyboards. The freedom they give the typist to change their position, or even move around the office when working, are unmatched. Of course, you need a talented typist to stand sit with a keyboard on her lap and transcribe directions – without the aid of a monitor.
However, the wireless keyboard's ability to easily shift around the work area improves productivity.
The task performed should dictate the type of keyboard used. A bookkeeper will benefit from a keyboard with a separate number pad.
One important factor that may business owners overlook when buying computer hardware for their office is the software. The Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser Mouse, Keyboard and MediaPad is a high end, great keyboard, number pad, mouse, and media pad. However, while the hardware is top end, the software that runs it prevent the hardware from working at top efficiency.
A sluggish mouse, or a styles that stops working, can result in multiple and long term, office time waste. Keyboards are not seen as 'important.' If they break down they are not sent to be repaired. Instead, the typist must 'make due' until they can jimmy, hack, or redirect the mouse or media pad and make it work again.
Taking time to buy the right keyboard for your office can improve attitude, productivity, and reduce down time.
Before you walk into a computer store and accept the computer keyboard that comes with a new system, or worse, ask 'what keyboards do you have for sale?'
The keyboard design directly influences the hand position, and posture of the typist. Erognomics magazine, published by Taylor & Francis, conducted a review of three erognomics keyboards.
Keyboard preference was evaluated by comparing two designs with the linear standard keyboard style. The Fixed alternative keyboard had a split angle of 12 degrees and a lateral inclination angle of 10 degrees.
The adjustable alternative keyboard had a 15 degree split setting, which resulted in a marked 42 degree of demiboard lateral inclination.
Sixteen typists, were given 10 hours of training on both keyboards. They were videotaped typing on all keyboard styles.
Forearm and wrist angles were significantly different among the three designs tested. Both alternative keyboards placed the forearm and wrist closer to the neutral position.
While the adjustable keyboard reduced pronation, but increased radial deviation. The Fixed keyboard kept the forearm in moderate pronation and the wrist close to neutral.
With respect to the standard keyboard, typing productivity was reduced by 10% on the Fixed and 20% on the adjustable designs.
The FIXED design offered only moderate changes to the standard keyboard. These changes promoted a more natural hand position while typing reducing the potential for trauma in the wrist. The FIXED design preserved a reasonable level of productivity and was well accepted by users.
There is multiple reviews that expound the virtues of wireless keyboards. The freedom they give the typist to change their position, or even move around the office when working, are unmatched. Of course, you need a talented typist to stand sit with a keyboard on her lap and transcribe directions – without the aid of a monitor.
However, the wireless keyboard's ability to easily shift around the work area improves productivity.
The task performed should dictate the type of keyboard used. A bookkeeper will benefit from a keyboard with a separate number pad.
One important factor that may business owners overlook when buying computer hardware for their office is the software. The Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser Mouse, Keyboard and MediaPad is a high end, great keyboard, number pad, mouse, and media pad. However, while the hardware is top end, the software that runs it prevent the hardware from working at top efficiency.
A sluggish mouse, or a styles that stops working, can result in multiple and long term, office time waste. Keyboards are not seen as 'important.' If they break down they are not sent to be repaired. Instead, the typist must 'make due' until they can jimmy, hack, or redirect the mouse or media pad and make it work again.
Taking time to buy the right keyboard for your office can improve attitude, productivity, and reduce down time.
Answer To Your Needs With A Multifunctional Printer
Recent craze towards multifunctional or all-in-one printer is because these can save valuable space, convenient to do several jobs and are less costly.
A multifunctional printer is capable of doing various tasks, namely printing, photocopying, scanning, etc. Sometimes these printers can also be used as a fax machine, and you can take direct photo-prints from your digital camera.
It is important to know a few points before selecting a multifunctional printer.
The type of Printer: The two main types of printers in vogue are inkjet and laser printer. Both these printers produce high quality of printing. Inkjet printers use magnetized plated which directs ink onto sheets of paper in desired style. Normally using two cartridges, one for color and the other for black and white, the printout quality matches with laser printer. This is less costly and portable; the only disadvantage being it is much slower in comparison to laser printer.
Laser printer operates by sending a laser beam producing an image on the drum. Also known as page printers, the laser printers are much faster as the entire page is printed here in one going. Though expensive, these types of printers produce high quality printing at high speed with unlimited variety of fonts.
It is important to check the resolution of the printer. Normally higher the resolution, the better is the print quality.
Compatibility of the printer: Selection for the printer should also consider the type of operating system the printer can work with. There are printers which can work with multi-systems like Windows, Linux, Mackintosh, etc.
Scanning: By scanning, graphics and text can be directly transferred to and stored in a computer and printed as per your need. Normal multifunctional computers will have a 600 dpi resolution. In case of a photo printer the resolution may be higher. The color depth capacity of a scanner is important factor to be considered also. The greater the bit depth, the greater is the resolution and more colors can be represented.
Scanners normally come as flatbed or sheet-fed. Flatbed scanners are more versatile as they can scan a range of documents irrespective of their thickness whereas in a sheet-fed scanner the documents are scanned one sheet at a time and the documents need to be detached from the magazine or book for scanning. Scanners are normally sold with a twain driver which can be easily installed in any computer and can work seamlessly with other applications.
Copier: In comparison to analog machines, digital copiers have much larger zoom range for reducing as well as enlarging. The speed and resolution of the copier is generally the same as that of the printer.
Faxing: The easy way to transmit documents over phone line is faxing. The majority of these machines transmit between 14.4 to 33.6 kbps speeds. This means 6 to 10 seconds and 3 seconds respectively to transmit data per page. Normally 512 kilobytes of memory in a fax machine can hold about 20 to 25 pages of incoming and outgoing pages without relying on paper. The speed dial indicates how many fax numbers can be stored in the memory of the machine.
Optional items such as automatic paper feeder, extra paper trays and enhanced photo printing capability printers are available also. In case of automatic paper feeder, you don`t have to wait and feed manually for copying and scanning more than one sheet. Optional paper trays can add up 500 pages to the total capacity. Enhanced photo printing capability printers have high resolution capability, four to six cartridges and also provide a direct connection for downloading photo from your camera. Also it allows you to view the picture before printing.
A multifunctional printer is capable of doing various tasks, namely printing, photocopying, scanning, etc. Sometimes these printers can also be used as a fax machine, and you can take direct photo-prints from your digital camera.
It is important to know a few points before selecting a multifunctional printer.
The type of Printer: The two main types of printers in vogue are inkjet and laser printer. Both these printers produce high quality of printing. Inkjet printers use magnetized plated which directs ink onto sheets of paper in desired style. Normally using two cartridges, one for color and the other for black and white, the printout quality matches with laser printer. This is less costly and portable; the only disadvantage being it is much slower in comparison to laser printer.
Laser printer operates by sending a laser beam producing an image on the drum. Also known as page printers, the laser printers are much faster as the entire page is printed here in one going. Though expensive, these types of printers produce high quality printing at high speed with unlimited variety of fonts.
It is important to check the resolution of the printer. Normally higher the resolution, the better is the print quality.
Compatibility of the printer: Selection for the printer should also consider the type of operating system the printer can work with. There are printers which can work with multi-systems like Windows, Linux, Mackintosh, etc.
Scanning: By scanning, graphics and text can be directly transferred to and stored in a computer and printed as per your need. Normal multifunctional computers will have a 600 dpi resolution. In case of a photo printer the resolution may be higher. The color depth capacity of a scanner is important factor to be considered also. The greater the bit depth, the greater is the resolution and more colors can be represented.
Scanners normally come as flatbed or sheet-fed. Flatbed scanners are more versatile as they can scan a range of documents irrespective of their thickness whereas in a sheet-fed scanner the documents are scanned one sheet at a time and the documents need to be detached from the magazine or book for scanning. Scanners are normally sold with a twain driver which can be easily installed in any computer and can work seamlessly with other applications.
Copier: In comparison to analog machines, digital copiers have much larger zoom range for reducing as well as enlarging. The speed and resolution of the copier is generally the same as that of the printer.
Faxing: The easy way to transmit documents over phone line is faxing. The majority of these machines transmit between 14.4 to 33.6 kbps speeds. This means 6 to 10 seconds and 3 seconds respectively to transmit data per page. Normally 512 kilobytes of memory in a fax machine can hold about 20 to 25 pages of incoming and outgoing pages without relying on paper. The speed dial indicates how many fax numbers can be stored in the memory of the machine.
Optional items such as automatic paper feeder, extra paper trays and enhanced photo printing capability printers are available also. In case of automatic paper feeder, you don`t have to wait and feed manually for copying and scanning more than one sheet. Optional paper trays can add up 500 pages to the total capacity. Enhanced photo printing capability printers have high resolution capability, four to six cartridges and also provide a direct connection for downloading photo from your camera. Also it allows you to view the picture before printing.
Different Types Of Pen Drives And Their Features
At the same time as working on the personal computer, at times could do with arises to transport information from one personal computer to the other personal computer in another place. This requires an outside storage space medium to put away the stuffing and then move it to another scheme.
Up to that time the floppy discs and the CDs were used for this reason and are at a standstill being used. On the other hand, Floppies can grasp no more than very little quantity of data in them and Compact Disc need a CD writer in the personal computer, to burn up the contents into it.
In view of the fact that compact discs writers may possibly not be accessible in each and every one the systems, it was a bit easier said than done to use. This noticeable the entry of USB Pen Drives. Little, and light-weighted, trouble-free to grip and rapid to use, USB pen drive are a genuine benefit to the technical field.
A USB pen drive is a little device that is used to move information between two Personal computers with the assistance of USB port. They are obtainable in a broad assortment of looks and capacity. Initial from as low as 32 Mega Byte they can go up to 1 Giga byte, 2 Giga Byte and the most recent one being 7 Giga Byte This gives an thought of the immensity of data that can be store in a pen drive.
It is extremely constructive and in view of the fact that it is light weighted, it fits completely wherever, right from a handbag to a people' pouch even. In view of the fact that it resembles a pen, the name Pen drive has come. A number of in addition come with other amenities emotionally involved to it, like MP3 player, which adds to the a lot of uses of the pen drives!
The pen drive can be detached at whichever time subsequent to it is un-mounted and can be safely removed hardware in case of Windows operating system and can be re-plugged into the similar or a diverse personal computer to be used again.
A pen drive's most significant use is to transport data and documentation from single personal computer to another. For example. One can very with no trouble copy all the word processing papers, images and the spreadsheets to the pen drive, take it the length of and duplicate the files on his or her home personal computer and work on it at home as per as their requirements with ease.
A pen drive is single of the largest part economical mobile medium for information storage in stipulations of cost per component storage space. They are if truth be told light-weight and robust in character which has completed it a full-size strike and a extremely significant and vital instrument for a large number of users of all kinds from small children's to adults, and from doctors to teachers for every one pen drive is a great way to store required information and carrying it where ever required very easily.
Up to that time the floppy discs and the CDs were used for this reason and are at a standstill being used. On the other hand, Floppies can grasp no more than very little quantity of data in them and Compact Disc need a CD writer in the personal computer, to burn up the contents into it.
In view of the fact that compact discs writers may possibly not be accessible in each and every one the systems, it was a bit easier said than done to use. This noticeable the entry of USB Pen Drives. Little, and light-weighted, trouble-free to grip and rapid to use, USB pen drive are a genuine benefit to the technical field.
A USB pen drive is a little device that is used to move information between two Personal computers with the assistance of USB port. They are obtainable in a broad assortment of looks and capacity. Initial from as low as 32 Mega Byte they can go up to 1 Giga byte, 2 Giga Byte and the most recent one being 7 Giga Byte This gives an thought of the immensity of data that can be store in a pen drive.
It is extremely constructive and in view of the fact that it is light weighted, it fits completely wherever, right from a handbag to a people' pouch even. In view of the fact that it resembles a pen, the name Pen drive has come. A number of in addition come with other amenities emotionally involved to it, like MP3 player, which adds to the a lot of uses of the pen drives!
The pen drive can be detached at whichever time subsequent to it is un-mounted and can be safely removed hardware in case of Windows operating system and can be re-plugged into the similar or a diverse personal computer to be used again.
A pen drive's most significant use is to transport data and documentation from single personal computer to another. For example. One can very with no trouble copy all the word processing papers, images and the spreadsheets to the pen drive, take it the length of and duplicate the files on his or her home personal computer and work on it at home as per as their requirements with ease.
A pen drive is single of the largest part economical mobile medium for information storage in stipulations of cost per component storage space. They are if truth be told light-weight and robust in character which has completed it a full-size strike and a extremely significant and vital instrument for a large number of users of all kinds from small children's to adults, and from doctors to teachers for every one pen drive is a great way to store required information and carrying it where ever required very easily.
Working Of Laser Printers
Laser Printers are commonly used printers that are known for its rapid printing abilities. The other marked feature of a laser printer is the high quality text and graphics printing. It works basically on the principle of xerographic printing process. However, it is different from the analog photocopying machines in which the image produced is the result of direct scan of a laser beam on the photoreceptor of the printer.
Using a laser printer has a number of advantages over any other types of printers available. The speed of a laser printer varies from one model to another as it depends on a number of factors like the graphic intensity required in processing the job and others. The latest models of laser printers can print more than 200 single color pages in one minute, which is more than 12 thousand pages in an hour! The color laser printers are relatively slower, but even they can print at more than 100 pages per minute. The high speed laser printers are generally used for printing of mass mailings like utility or credit card bills etc.
The cost incurred in using the laser printing technology is dependent on more than one feature such as the cost of the toner, paper, once in a while replacement of the drum, and change required in other consumable parts of the printer like transfer assembly and the fuser assembly. Laser printers having drums made of soft plastic can be costlier in the long run than one can comprehend; its high overall cost becomes apparent only when the printer requires a drum replacement.
Another feature in the family of laser printers is the duplexing model. This allows printing on both sides of a paper without the need to remove the paper at all. This technology can cut paper cost directly into half and also lessen the filling volumes. Formerly, the duplexing technology was available only on the high-end laser printers. However, now they can be seen on a number of mid-range office laser printers. Although, the duplexing technology can reduce the printing speed to some extent as the paper path length increases.
The dot-matrix and inkjet printers take the incoming spooled data for the printer and directly print that on the paper making it a slow process which can stop as soon as the printer is waiting for more data. On the other hand, a laser printer cannot work this way, the reason being the large amount of data required to output to the printer in a continuous fashion. The printer cannot wait for data arrival and if that happens, there can be gaps and misalignment on the page.
To take care of the above problem, a printer buffer is used. The data is built up and kept in the large printer buffer that is generally present in the printer. This data bank is large enough to account for every single dot that can be printed on a page. However, this requirement of storing the dots in the memory before printing can begin has limited the printing capability of laser printers to small size like A4 or A3. Most laser printer cannot print long banners as there is no memory to hold that amount of data.
The printing takes place in seven steps. A Raster Image Processor scans the entire page line by line and stores a bitmap of the page in the raster memory. The drum is then charged negatively and the bitmap is written on the photosensitive drum using a laser beam whose functionality is dependent on the bitmap image. The charged toner particles are charged negatively and wherever the laser has not discharged the drum, the charges will repel and printing won`t take place, hence creating the required print out. The toner contains a plastic powder that is attracted to the parts where the laser beam hit and in the end the plastic powder is fused at 200 degree Celsius to bond the ink with the paper.
Using a laser printer has a number of advantages over any other types of printers available. The speed of a laser printer varies from one model to another as it depends on a number of factors like the graphic intensity required in processing the job and others. The latest models of laser printers can print more than 200 single color pages in one minute, which is more than 12 thousand pages in an hour! The color laser printers are relatively slower, but even they can print at more than 100 pages per minute. The high speed laser printers are generally used for printing of mass mailings like utility or credit card bills etc.
The cost incurred in using the laser printing technology is dependent on more than one feature such as the cost of the toner, paper, once in a while replacement of the drum, and change required in other consumable parts of the printer like transfer assembly and the fuser assembly. Laser printers having drums made of soft plastic can be costlier in the long run than one can comprehend; its high overall cost becomes apparent only when the printer requires a drum replacement.
Another feature in the family of laser printers is the duplexing model. This allows printing on both sides of a paper without the need to remove the paper at all. This technology can cut paper cost directly into half and also lessen the filling volumes. Formerly, the duplexing technology was available only on the high-end laser printers. However, now they can be seen on a number of mid-range office laser printers. Although, the duplexing technology can reduce the printing speed to some extent as the paper path length increases.
The dot-matrix and inkjet printers take the incoming spooled data for the printer and directly print that on the paper making it a slow process which can stop as soon as the printer is waiting for more data. On the other hand, a laser printer cannot work this way, the reason being the large amount of data required to output to the printer in a continuous fashion. The printer cannot wait for data arrival and if that happens, there can be gaps and misalignment on the page.
To take care of the above problem, a printer buffer is used. The data is built up and kept in the large printer buffer that is generally present in the printer. This data bank is large enough to account for every single dot that can be printed on a page. However, this requirement of storing the dots in the memory before printing can begin has limited the printing capability of laser printers to small size like A4 or A3. Most laser printer cannot print long banners as there is no memory to hold that amount of data.
The printing takes place in seven steps. A Raster Image Processor scans the entire page line by line and stores a bitmap of the page in the raster memory. The drum is then charged negatively and the bitmap is written on the photosensitive drum using a laser beam whose functionality is dependent on the bitmap image. The charged toner particles are charged negatively and wherever the laser has not discharged the drum, the charges will repel and printing won`t take place, hence creating the required print out. The toner contains a plastic powder that is attracted to the parts where the laser beam hit and in the end the plastic powder is fused at 200 degree Celsius to bond the ink with the paper.
Learn About The Three Basic Types Of Computer Mouse
1) Mechanical: This is a type of computer mouse that has a rubber or metal ball on its underside and it can roll in every direction. Sensors within the mouse, which are mechanical, detect the direction in which the ball is moving and moves the pointer on the screen in the same direction. A mouse pad should be used under the mouse to run on.
2) Optomechanical: This type is the same as the mechanical mouse except that it uses optical sensors to the motion of the ball. A mouse pad should be used under the mouse to run on.
3) Optical: This type uses a laser for detecting the mouse's movement. You don't need a mouse pad but you can use one made for optical mice. Optical mice do not have any mechanical moving parts. This type responds more quickly and precisely than the mechanical and optomechanical mice and now that they have been around awhile the price is pretty comparable.
How does a computer mouse hook up to the computer?
Serial mouse: these ones connect directly to an RS-232C serial port or a PS/2port. This is the simplest type of connection.
PS/2 mouse: connects to a PS/2 port. USB mice
Cordless mouse: These are not physically connected to the computer. They rely on infrared or radio waves to communicate with the computer. Cordless are more expensive than both the serial and bus mouse. The nice thing is that there is no cord to constrain or get in your way.
Every computer user can hopefully identify their mouse and the importance it plays in the daily operation of their computer. Mice are nothing new and for the most part are nothing overly complex, but the average user may not be familiar with all of the options and technologies that may go into these little devices. This Tech Tip will take a look at some of the features of mice that people may take for granted, or may otherwise be unaware of.
Tracking Technologies
Mechanical mice - Mechanical mice were the first ones used on computers, and can still be found for sale, despite the advances of tracking technologies. These mice feature a hard ball on the underside that rolls as the mouse is moved, and rollers inside the mouse allow the physical motion to be translated to the pointer on the screen. Some “ball mice” are a bit more advanced and replace the internal rollers with optical sensors, but the same principle applies.
Mechanical mice require occasional maintenance to keep the ball and rollers free of lint and other debris, and with numerous moving parts there is always a potential for problems. The use of a mouse pad is recommended for these mice as they not only provide a clean surface to work on, but also provide the needed resistance for the ball to roll smoothly.
The precision of mechanical mice is not particularly good, and although they may be fine for typical desktop work, they were never quite up to the task of detailed graphics work or serious game playing.
Optical mice - Optical mice replace the whole ball/roller assembly of mechanical mice with a beam of a light and an optical sensor. The beam of light shines down on the surface below the mouse and the sensor uses the light to track the movement. The images included with the listing for this optical mouse provide a glimpse at the bottom of the mouse, where the light and sensor can be seen.
Optical mice have several advantages over mechanical mice. There are no moving parts to break or otherwise cause problems. The need for maintenance is greatly reduced as the bottoms have no openings or rollers to collect lint. Although mice generally aren’t heavy, the elimination of the ball and roller mechanism allows an optical mouse to be much lighter than a comparable mechanical mouse. The precision of optical mice is also much greater than mechanical mice, and the resolution can go from the low hundreds to the high hundreds (as measured in dpi, dots per inch).
Another advantage is that the need for a mouse pad may be eliminated with an optical mouse, as they do best while tracking on any smooth, flat surface. A clean desktop is generally good enough, but those looking to take the precision of optical mice to the highest level may opt for a performance “mousing surface”. There are several precision mousing surface manufacturers, such as XRay Pads (http://www.xraypad.com/) and FUNC Industries (http://www.func.net/), that design pads to appeal to game players and others who demand the best performance.
Laser mice - Laser technology is the latest and greatest in computer mice tracking, and takes the advantages of optical to a new level. Most of the attributes of a laser mouse have been described in the optical mouse section, except for one. Instead of a fairly wide beam of light, it uses an extremely narrow beam of laser light.
The Logitech MX1000 laser mouse may be the mouse for you if you are looking for extreme precision. According to Logitech, the laser technology used in the MX1000 provides up to “20x more sensitivity to surface detail—or tracking power—than optical.”
Hard Wired Connection Technologies
Serial – Serial mice are fairly difficult to come by these days, as are the ports they need in order to operate. This technology is quite old and slow, and the popularity and convenience of USB has all but eliminated the need for this interface on your typical PC. But, there were mice that sported the 9-pin connection needed to connect to a serial port, and many PS2 mice used to include an adaptor for Serial ports.
PS2 - PS2 mice were the standard for a long time, as all motherboards provided two PS2 ports for connecting a keyboard and a mouse. USB technology has become so widely used that the slower and less convenient PS2 ports are on the verge of extinction with the Serial port. That said, not many mice are still sold that only support a PS2 connection, but there are still some available.
USB – Most mice can now connect via USB, and include an adaptor to be used on a PS2 port, as well. It seems that just about any mouse now uses USB to connect, whether it is a wired mouse, or any variety of wireless mice that we are about to look at.
Wireless Connection Technologies
Radio Frequency – The most common type of wireless mouse uses radio frequencies to communicate motion to a receiver that is connected to the PC. This generic wireless mouse operates on the 27MHz frequency and the mouse itself is powered by AAA batteries which are not included. As you move up the price scale of RF (Radio Frequency) wireless mice, the packages will generally include an integrated rechargeable battery, as does the Logitech MX1000 discussed previously. Other features of higher end RF wireless mice include extended range, greater precision, and a receiver that doubles as a battery charger.
Bluetooth – The Tech Tip on Bluetooth discussed the basics of this wireless technology, and how it was a good fit for ‘lower speed’ devices, like a mouse. Logitech and IOGear are two manufacturers offering products for Bluetooth users, in addition to more traditional mice. The Bluetooth mice are also battery powered, and use the 2.4GHz radio frequency to communicate with an included receiver/charger or other Bluetooth adaptor.
RFID – A truly unique approach to wireless mice has been developed by a company called A4Tech. The A4Tech ND-30 RFID wireless mouse must be used with the included mouse pad in order to function, but there are no batteries in the mouse, and no cords on the mouse to get in the way. It works by using electro magnetic induction between the pad (which is plugged into a USB port) and the wireless, non-powered mouse. You never have to worry about replacing / charging batteries, and the weight of the mouse is greatly reduced since the power features are no longer necessary.
Features
Buttons – Most mice (except for a Macintoch’s) include at least two buttons. The use of these is fairly well understood, but other buttons may be featured on a mouse to further simplify common tasks. The Logitech MX 510 mouse features a total of 8 buttons which can be programmed to execute functions of the user’s choosing.
Scroll wheels – Many mice now include a scroll wheel between the two main buttons which serves to allow up/down scrolling of documents and web pages. The scroll wheel may also serves as a third button on some mice, and clicking the scroll wheel will activate commands in many applications. More advanced scroll wheels are found on some mice that allow for left to right scrolling, which may be useful on a wide spreadsheet or large image.
Extra features – Many mice provide more than the basic functionality we have come to expect. Some provide a reduced foot print in order to make them more portable for use with a notebook computer. Some are designed for multi-tasking and provide an integrated flash memory card reader. Then, there are others that just look cool with a bit of a light show, or that actually keep you cool by including a small fan in the palm rest area.
Final Words
On the surface, computer mice are fairly simple devices that may not receive the attention they deserve by end users. Selecting a high quality, ergonomically designed mouse can do wonders for productivity and comfort, and the options available should allow anyone to find the right mouse for their personal preferences.
Tracking Technologies
Mechanical mice - Mechanical mice were the first ones used on computers, and can still be found for sale, despite the advances of tracking technologies. These mice feature a hard ball on the underside that rolls as the mouse is moved, and rollers inside the mouse allow the physical motion to be translated to the pointer on the screen. Some “ball mice” are a bit more advanced and replace the internal rollers with optical sensors, but the same principle applies.
Mechanical mice require occasional maintenance to keep the ball and rollers free of lint and other debris, and with numerous moving parts there is always a potential for problems. The use of a mouse pad is recommended for these mice as they not only provide a clean surface to work on, but also provide the needed resistance for the ball to roll smoothly.
The precision of mechanical mice is not particularly good, and although they may be fine for typical desktop work, they were never quite up to the task of detailed graphics work or serious game playing.
Optical mice - Optical mice replace the whole ball/roller assembly of mechanical mice with a beam of a light and an optical sensor. The beam of light shines down on the surface below the mouse and the sensor uses the light to track the movement. The images included with the listing for this optical mouse provide a glimpse at the bottom of the mouse, where the light and sensor can be seen.
Optical mice have several advantages over mechanical mice. There are no moving parts to break or otherwise cause problems. The need for maintenance is greatly reduced as the bottoms have no openings or rollers to collect lint. Although mice generally aren’t heavy, the elimination of the ball and roller mechanism allows an optical mouse to be much lighter than a comparable mechanical mouse. The precision of optical mice is also much greater than mechanical mice, and the resolution can go from the low hundreds to the high hundreds (as measured in dpi, dots per inch).
Another advantage is that the need for a mouse pad may be eliminated with an optical mouse, as they do best while tracking on any smooth, flat surface. A clean desktop is generally good enough, but those looking to take the precision of optical mice to the highest level may opt for a performance “mousing surface”. There are several precision mousing surface manufacturers, such as XRay Pads (http://www.xraypad.com/) and FUNC Industries (http://www.func.net/), that design pads to appeal to game players and others who demand the best performance.
Laser mice - Laser technology is the latest and greatest in computer mice tracking, and takes the advantages of optical to a new level. Most of the attributes of a laser mouse have been described in the optical mouse section, except for one. Instead of a fairly wide beam of light, it uses an extremely narrow beam of laser light.
The Logitech MX1000 laser mouse may be the mouse for you if you are looking for extreme precision. According to Logitech, the laser technology used in the MX1000 provides up to “20x more sensitivity to surface detail—or tracking power—than optical.”
Hard Wired Connection Technologies
Serial – Serial mice are fairly difficult to come by these days, as are the ports they need in order to operate. This technology is quite old and slow, and the popularity and convenience of USB has all but eliminated the need for this interface on your typical PC. But, there were mice that sported the 9-pin connection needed to connect to a serial port, and many PS2 mice used to include an adaptor for Serial ports.
PS2 - PS2 mice were the standard for a long time, as all motherboards provided two PS2 ports for connecting a keyboard and a mouse. USB technology has become so widely used that the slower and less convenient PS2 ports are on the verge of extinction with the Serial port. That said, not many mice are still sold that only support a PS2 connection, but there are still some available.
USB – Most mice can now connect via USB, and include an adaptor to be used on a PS2 port, as well. It seems that just about any mouse now uses USB to connect, whether it is a wired mouse, or any variety of wireless mice that we are about to look at.
Wireless Connection Technologies
Radio Frequency – The most common type of wireless mouse uses radio frequencies to communicate motion to a receiver that is connected to the PC. This generic wireless mouse operates on the 27MHz frequency and the mouse itself is powered by AAA batteries which are not included. As you move up the price scale of RF (Radio Frequency) wireless mice, the packages will generally include an integrated rechargeable battery, as does the Logitech MX1000 discussed previously. Other features of higher end RF wireless mice include extended range, greater precision, and a receiver that doubles as a battery charger.
Bluetooth – The Tech Tip on Bluetooth discussed the basics of this wireless technology, and how it was a good fit for ‘lower speed’ devices, like a mouse. Logitech and IOGear are two manufacturers offering products for Bluetooth users, in addition to more traditional mice. The Bluetooth mice are also battery powered, and use the 2.4GHz radio frequency to communicate with an included receiver/charger or other Bluetooth adaptor.
RFID – A truly unique approach to wireless mice has been developed by a company called A4Tech. The A4Tech ND-30 RFID wireless mouse must be used with the included mouse pad in order to function, but there are no batteries in the mouse, and no cords on the mouse to get in the way. It works by using electro magnetic induction between the pad (which is plugged into a USB port) and the wireless, non-powered mouse. You never have to worry about replacing / charging batteries, and the weight of the mouse is greatly reduced since the power features are no longer necessary.
Features
Buttons – Most mice (except for a Macintoch’s) include at least two buttons. The use of these is fairly well understood, but other buttons may be featured on a mouse to further simplify common tasks. The Logitech MX 510 mouse features a total of 8 buttons which can be programmed to execute functions of the user’s choosing.
Scroll wheels – Many mice now include a scroll wheel between the two main buttons which serves to allow up/down scrolling of documents and web pages. The scroll wheel may also serves as a third button on some mice, and clicking the scroll wheel will activate commands in many applications. More advanced scroll wheels are found on some mice that allow for left to right scrolling, which may be useful on a wide spreadsheet or large image.
Extra features – Many mice provide more than the basic functionality we have come to expect. Some provide a reduced foot print in order to make them more portable for use with a notebook computer. Some are designed for multi-tasking and provide an integrated flash memory card reader. Then, there are others that just look cool with a bit of a light show, or that actually keep you cool by including a small fan in the palm rest area.
Final Words
On the surface, computer mice are fairly simple devices that may not receive the attention they deserve by end users. Selecting a high quality, ergonomically designed mouse can do wonders for productivity and comfort, and the options available should allow anyone to find the right mouse for their personal preferences.
Laptop of Desktop! Which is good?
The idea of purchasing a personal computer may be appealing to a lot of people, however they may feel undecided as weather to go for a traditional desktop computer or for a light weight portable notebook. Several aspects should be taken into consideration as for the purposes of such acquisition. If the main purpose of buying a computer is for occasional use, regardless if it is for work or entertainment activities, one may consider buying a traditional desktop computer taking in consideration that its price is usually lower than the portable version.
The maintenance and eventual upgrade of a desktop computer is also much easier to perform and less costly. If the buyer is looking to spend the least amount of money, definitely the desktop computer models offer more choices of finding better deals weather it is used or new. One may look around the local computer stores for special deals or may consider browsing the many possibilities offered online stores.
Perhaps the greatest feature a desktop computer has is the fact that quite often it can be upgraded and personalized to suit the user needs without having to be sent back to the manufacturer. In most cases a local authorized computer store can perform the technical changes or upgrades to satisfaction. The desktop computers are meant for work and leisure as well and regardless of its configuration or how fast it can perform, it seems that it became an everyday tool of modern times.
On the other hand, if the main reason for the purchasing of a computer is portability, then in this case the notebook will be the right choice. There are several brand names available on the market offering all kinds of configurations, from very basic up to the most sophisticated and powerful late models of notebooks. After a careful research on which model will better suit your needs, then you will still have the option to choose to buy a new, reconditioned or used unit for the sake of saving some money. Keep in mind that a reconditioned laptop purchased from a computer store, usually comes will full warranty, just like as if you had purchased a brand new model but for a much less cost.
Just like any other purchase, it is important to do a careful research to find out what exactly your needs are and what are you going to do with it. The lightweight and portable notebooks are much nicer to carry around even though they are usually more expensive. Also the lightweight models almost always have a smaller screen and a more compact keyboard than traditional models of notebooks. So, in this case if weight is not a critical issue, than you may just consider to purchase a traditional regular-model notebook as long as it meets your requirements. If you choose this later option you will certainly be saving a great amount of money.
If you are the kind of person who feels skeptical about purchasing a reconditioned computer, because it has been previously returned from the manufacturer, relax, some times there is absolutely nothing wrong with the returned unit. It may have just been a matter of model preference or some minor detail that didn`t quite match the previous owner`s preference. Keep in mind that a reconditioned notebook with a full warranty is just as good as a brand new one and maybe even better for the great discount it usually offers.
Also you may find some good deals in refurbished notebooks. Beware that the difference between refurbished and reconditioned notebooks is that the former is usually an older notebook that has been used and then reconditioned, often by a third party, and the later usually means that it had some problem, went back to the manufacturer, got fixed and now it is available at a fair discount price with full manufacturer guarantee.
The right solution for one`s computer related tasks, whether desktop or notebook, will depend mostly on one`s working or leisure needs. Search carefully for the best deals and avoid paying extra for accessories you will hardly use. Also take a look at reconditioned (full warranty) computers. The price will certainly surprise you. And the performance might too!
The maintenance and eventual upgrade of a desktop computer is also much easier to perform and less costly. If the buyer is looking to spend the least amount of money, definitely the desktop computer models offer more choices of finding better deals weather it is used or new. One may look around the local computer stores for special deals or may consider browsing the many possibilities offered online stores.
Perhaps the greatest feature a desktop computer has is the fact that quite often it can be upgraded and personalized to suit the user needs without having to be sent back to the manufacturer. In most cases a local authorized computer store can perform the technical changes or upgrades to satisfaction. The desktop computers are meant for work and leisure as well and regardless of its configuration or how fast it can perform, it seems that it became an everyday tool of modern times.
On the other hand, if the main reason for the purchasing of a computer is portability, then in this case the notebook will be the right choice. There are several brand names available on the market offering all kinds of configurations, from very basic up to the most sophisticated and powerful late models of notebooks. After a careful research on which model will better suit your needs, then you will still have the option to choose to buy a new, reconditioned or used unit for the sake of saving some money. Keep in mind that a reconditioned laptop purchased from a computer store, usually comes will full warranty, just like as if you had purchased a brand new model but for a much less cost.
Just like any other purchase, it is important to do a careful research to find out what exactly your needs are and what are you going to do with it. The lightweight and portable notebooks are much nicer to carry around even though they are usually more expensive. Also the lightweight models almost always have a smaller screen and a more compact keyboard than traditional models of notebooks. So, in this case if weight is not a critical issue, than you may just consider to purchase a traditional regular-model notebook as long as it meets your requirements. If you choose this later option you will certainly be saving a great amount of money.
If you are the kind of person who feels skeptical about purchasing a reconditioned computer, because it has been previously returned from the manufacturer, relax, some times there is absolutely nothing wrong with the returned unit. It may have just been a matter of model preference or some minor detail that didn`t quite match the previous owner`s preference. Keep in mind that a reconditioned notebook with a full warranty is just as good as a brand new one and maybe even better for the great discount it usually offers.
Also you may find some good deals in refurbished notebooks. Beware that the difference between refurbished and reconditioned notebooks is that the former is usually an older notebook that has been used and then reconditioned, often by a third party, and the later usually means that it had some problem, went back to the manufacturer, got fixed and now it is available at a fair discount price with full manufacturer guarantee.
The right solution for one`s computer related tasks, whether desktop or notebook, will depend mostly on one`s working or leisure needs. Search carefully for the best deals and avoid paying extra for accessories you will hardly use. Also take a look at reconditioned (full warranty) computers. The price will certainly surprise you. And the performance might too!
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